Weekend In Review: Hans Klok, Blaze The Show

Lots was happening in the UAE over the weekend. In Dubai, Blaze the Show wrapped up after an action-packed three days of shows. Also world-renown illusionist Hans Klok made his debut in the Middle East on Yas Island, Ayyam Gallery continues hosting an exhibition entitled 99 Names, and CARTel at Alserkal Avenue is holding its end of the season sale.

Hans Klok in the Middle East

Photo Credit: Hans Klok

Award-winning Dutch illusionist Hans Klok, billed as “the World’s Fastest Illusionist” and the “New Houdini,” performed two shows on Yas Island near Abu Dhabi over the weekend. The shows were on Friday and Saturday and marked the first time he has ever performed in the Middle East.

Klok’s show paid homage to the late Harry Houdini, one of the most talented and best-known illusionists ever. The show was entitled Metamorphosis, and in it, Hans Klok swapped places with his assistant in a matter of seconds while being trapped in a trunk. Among the other show-stopping tricks he performed was his trademark floating light bulb trick and Houdini’s well-known Chinese water torture cell trick.

Blaze the Show at DUCTAC

Photo Credit: Blaze the Show

Blaze the Show has been a hit in all of the venues it has toured so far, and it was no different this past week at the Dubai Community Theatre and Arts Centre. As part of Dubai Summer Surprises, the show started running on Thursday and wrapped up with two last performances on Saturday before moving on to the next venue.

Those who did manage to catch the show enjoyed the moves of 16 of the best dancers from around the globe. The show was choreographed by some of the world’s best choreographers, include Kenny Wormald and Mike Song, and used remixes and music from Lay Gaga, Michael Jackson, Snoop Dogg, Kanye West, and many other award-winning artists.

99 Names at Ayyam Gallery

Photo Credit: Sabah Arbilli

Ayyam Gallery is hosting 99 Names, a solo exhibition from Iraqi-British artist and calligraphy master Sabah Arbilli. The show features 100 pieces which show off calligraphy innovations created in abstract. The computer-generated pieces are printed on archival paper, demonstrating how traditional art must evolve along with technology. 99 Names focuses on the names and attributes of God according to the Islamic sacred texts. The exhibition started earlier this month and runs through Sept. 10.

cARTel’s End of the Season Sale

Photo Credit: Alserkal Avenue

The cARTel at Alserkal Avenue started hosting its End of the Season Sale, offering up to 70% off pieces in both the gallery and concept store. The sale continues through Aug.  31.